Possum Revival to perform at Cashmere Community Concerts

CASHMERE — Bluegrass fans will have a chance to experience one of the Pacific Northwest’s newest acts when Possum Revival takes the stage Saturday, April 18, as part of the Cashmere Community Concerts series.

The performance begins at 7 p.m. at Cashmere Community Church, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

“Possum Revival is one of the Pacific NW’s newest bluegrass bands, yet each member brings years of experience to the band having played with various local and national groups,” organizers said. “The band plays traditional progressive bluegrass, with influence from traditional country and Irish music as well.”

The group features Steven Swanson on guitar and vocals, Kent Powell on bass and vocals, Clayton Hess on banjo and vocals, Ruben Taylor on mandolin and vocals, and Toby Simcox on fiddle and vocals.

Powell has been part of the Northwest bluegrass scene since 1975, performing with groups including Crossfire, Runaway Train, North Country and String Theory, as well as Jeff Scroggins/Colorado and the Greg Blake/Ellie Hakanson Duo.

Taylor, who plays mandolin, began his musical career in Alaska, where he played fiddle and competed in fiddle competitions. He later performed with the band String Theory, sharing duties on mandolin and guitar.

Hess, the band’s banjo player, is known for his versatility across multiple styles, including Scruggs, chromatic, melodic and Reno, and also plays guitar.

Simcox, a newer presence in the bluegrass scene, started on classical violin before transitioning to fiddle. He has performed with Cascade Mtn. Boys and String Theory and draws from old-time, folk, Irish and bluegrass influences.

Swanson, the group’s guitarist, brings a background that includes jazz, Irish, folk, old-time and country music. He also performs in duet settings and teaches music in Snohomish.

The concert is hosted by Cashmere Community Concerts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing live, affordable entertainment to the Wenatchee Valley.

Admission is $5 at the door, with refreshments provided. Musicians will be supported through a one-time hat pass, with a suggested donation of $8 to $15. The event will feature concert seating in an alcohol-free environment.

Cashmere Community Church is located at 213 S. Division St. in Cashmere. For more information, call 509-421-0494 or visit www.cashmereconcerts.com.

Cindy Jackson contributed to this report.